Articles tagged with Dogs
A Michigan State University researcher shows people who own and walk their dogs were 34% more likely to meet federal physical activity benchmarks. Dog walkers also had higher overall levels of moderate and vigorous physical activities.
Mental health responders to the Continental Flight 3407 disaster share key successes and areas for improvement in disaster response planning. Clear relationships among responders, long-lasting mental health referrals, and efficient communication are highlighted as critical components of effective emergency preparedness.
A team of investigators has identified a new candidate gene for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), the most common form of eye disorder. The gene, ADAMTS10, is involved in processing extracellular matrix and may play a role in regulating aqueous humor outflow.
The BTER Foundation has awarded six individuals for their contributions to biotherapy, a field that uses living organisms to aid healthcare. The award recipients include researchers, educators, and advocates who have promoted maggot therapy and other biotherapeutic disciplines.
Anthropologists at University of Toronto discover earliest cemetery in the Middle East, with graves containing human remains and those of a red fox. The discovery suggests that humans may have kept foxes as pets or had early attempts to tame them, but no successful domestication.
A UC Davis study found that detection dog teams were more likely to alert to scents in rooms indicated by human cues, such as construction paper. The researchers suggest that subtle handler cues may be influencing the dogs' behavior, similar to the 'Clever Hans' effect seen in horses.
Research reveals dogs can detect specific odors in breath and stool samples with 95% accuracy for breath test and 98% accuracy for stool test. This method could lead to developing non-invasive tests for early stage bowel cancer detection.
A contagious cancer found in dogs, wolves, and coyotes can repair its genetic mutations by adopting genes from its host animal. The cancer steals tiny DNA-containing powerhouses called mitochondria from infected cells to incorporate as its own.
Researchers trained dogs to detect scat from various species, showing they can accurately locate targets at distances of up to 33 feet. Environmental factors like wind, humidity, and precipitation influenced detection rates, highlighting the need for standardized survey conditions.
A Tel Aviv University scientist has developed a small, portable sensor that can detect multiple kinds of explosives with unprecedented reliability and efficiency. The sensor, which uses nanotechnology advances, is more sensitive and reliable than any sniffer dog and can detect explosives at a distance.
A new Université de Montreal study found that trained service dogs can significantly reduce stress hormone levels in autistic children, from an average of 33 problematic behaviors to just 25. The dogs also improved socialization skills and overall well-being for the children.
A new study by the University of Bristol has found that dogs with separation-related behaviors tend to make more pessimistic judgments, suggesting a cognitive bias. The research provides insight into animal emotions and highlights the importance of addressing underlying negative emotional states in dogs.
Friesen's research found that her literacy dogs, Tango and Sparky, helped Grade 2 students overcome reading trepidation and develop a love for literature. The program improved children's reading behaviors, increased their confidence, and motivated them to read at home.
Children with dog allergies who own a dog before age 1 are less likely to develop eczema by age 4, while cat ownership increases the risk among those allergic to cats. The study suggests parents consider pet choice when caring for at-risk children.
A new study by MIT neuroscientists suggests that the brain learns to solve object recognition through experience in the natural world. Researchers exposed monkeys to altered visual stimuli, which led to changes in neural activity and object preferences.
The new TimeTree application provides a sophisticated means of mining scientific knowledge, answering questions about species divergence and phylogeny. The app uses a vast Internet storehouse of data about the diversity of life, from bacteria to humans.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a new target for cancer therapy in dogs and tested a compound that arrested tumor growth and induced partial remission. The study suggests that the treatment could be effective and safe, potentially adding to existing lymphoma treatments.
A recent University of Pennsylvania study compares two hip screening methods and finds that traditional scoring underestimates a dog's susceptibility to osteoarthritis. The PennHIP method suggests that even 'excellent' hips may be at risk for hip dysplasia, with some breeds facing a high risk of up to 100% susceptible progeny.
Researchers have found that walking uphill and using obstacles can improve flexibility in arthritic dogs' joints, while walking downhill offers little therapeutic benefit.
A team of researchers discovered a gene responsible for a rare and fatal disease in American Staffordshire terriers. The same gene is believed to cause a similar disease in humans. Genetic analysis led to the identification of an entirely new mutation, which can be tested in human samples to determine its connection to Kufs' disease.
Scientists have trained mice to identify infected duck feces, which could lead to development of disease-detecting dogs and lab instruments. This breakthrough may enable early warning systems for influenza and other diseases.
A study by David Blouin found that people who think of animals as children tend to have a city background, while those in rural areas may view pets as just another animal. Having children often changes owners' thoughts on their pets.
Researchers have identified a small number of genetic regions responsible for dogs' physical traits, which may hold clues to understanding human biomedical traits. The study found that only six or seven locations in the dog genome determine about 80 percent of differences in height and weight among breeds.
Researchers developed a proof-of-concept system that removes pedestrians from urban scenes in Google Street View, exploring how computer vision can preserve privacy in public environments. The system replaces pedestrians with an approximation of the actual background behind each pedestrian.
Researchers found that short-snouted dog breeds have rotating brains up to 15 degrees, while the olfactory lobe has relocated, affecting smell perception. The study highlights unique plasticity in the canine genome due to human intervention through breeding.
Researchers have successfully used a continuous glucose monitoring device to treat dogs with diabetes, providing greater monitoring capabilities and alleviating the need for multiple blood samples. The device, commonly used in human diabetes treatment, helps veterinarians determine proper insulin dosages and manage diet-related factors.
Researchers identified the genetic contributions of various breeds to Alaskan sled dogs' performance. The study found that Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky traits are associated with enhanced endurance, while Pointer and Saluki contribute to speed, and Anatolian Shepherd improves work ethic.
Researchers found that clopidogrel significantly inhibits platelet function in healthy dogs, with no adverse effects. The study suggests clopidogrel may be a safe and effective treatment for dogs at risk of thromboembolic disease, offering an alternative to NSAIDs.
Chagas disease affects 10-12 million people in Latin America, killing 15,000 annually. Dogs can spread the disease and may help control it by acting as sentinels for health officials.
Researchers found that saber-toothed cat forelimbs were stronger than those of modern felines, with thicker cortical bone and larger diameters, suggesting they used their arms to pin prey before delivering a fatal bite.
The Dogslife study aims to assess how diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors affect an animal's susceptibility to disease. Owners of 10000+ Labrador puppies will provide regular updates on their dog's life, health, and environment.
Scientists studied 3-legged dog movement techniques to develop robots that can adjust to injuries. Dogs with fore-limb amputations used 'compensation strategies' to walk and run, while those with hind-limb amputations showed little adjustment. This research aims to improve robot efficiency and usability.
Researchers are analyzing five cancers in dogs, including histiocytic sarcomas, to identify genetic changes and potential treatments for humans. The study aims to develop targeted therapies by analyzing the gene makeup of purebred dogs with specific breeds being affected by certain types of cancer.
Researchers found that certain 'multitasking' neurons in monkeys' brains are best at making correct identifications in both car and animal categories. This ability to 'multitask' allows the brain to re-utilize neurons for different tasks, potentially leading to a better understanding of disorders like autism and schizophrenia.
A man and his two Great Pyrenees embark on a 2,000-mile walk to raise awareness about cancer in dogs while collecting DNA samples for a new $5.3 million canine cancer project. The TGen-VARI program aims to discover the causes of cancer in dogs and potentially translate findings to humans.
African wild dog populations decline due to domestic dogs' presence, illustrating the impact of human behavior on disease transmission. Human behavior, such as range differences and animal husbandry practices, shapes disease risk and is a key driver of emerging infectious diseases.
Researchers at Penn University successfully used gene therapy to restore retinal cone function and day vision in canines with inherited day blindness. The treatment was effective for younger dogs and held promise for future clinical trials.
A TGen and VARI program is studying naturally occurring cancers in dogs to better understand the causes of disease and develop new treatments. The goal is to translate knowledge into therapeutics that can help both humans and animals, with a focus on rare sarcomas and osteosarcoma.
A comprehensive study documents American industry's water usage, revealing that most water is used indirectly in processing such as packaging and shipping food crops. The study estimates water use among over 400 industry sectors, with surprising amounts required for common products like sugar, dog and cat food, and milk.
Researchers analyzed over 900 dogs and 200 wild gray wolves worldwide, finding that modern dogs share more genetic similarity with Middle Eastern gray wolves than other wolf populations. The study's findings contradict previous research suggesting an East Asian origin for dogs.
A new therapy has been found to prevent severe cardiac injury and ventricular dilatation in dogs with muscular dystrophy. The treatment, which involves chronic infusion of a membrane-sealing agent, restores the compliance of heart muscles from dystrophic dogs to normal.
Researchers have identified unique features of the dog genome that enable genetic studies, highlighting breeds as a model for understanding genomic mechanisms. The study shows how genetic mechanisms may control breed-defining traits, such as short legs and skeletal size.
Researchers at UAB are testing a software program designed to teach children safe dog interaction behaviors. The Blue Dog software aims to reduce accidental bites from pet dogs, particularly among children ages 5-9.
Researchers found that the IGF1 gene variant responsible for small size in dogs is closely related to that found in Middle Eastern wolves, supporting an ancient origin. The study also suggests that smaller body size may have been desirable in densely populated agricultural societies where dogs lived indoors or in confined spaces.
Researchers identified five loci associated with a canine systemic lupus erythematosus-related disease complex in Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers. This study suggests that dogs can serve as an excellent model for identifying pathways involved in human complex diseases, particularly autoimmune disorders.
Researchers found five genome regions that increase the risk of developing an SLE-like autoimmune disorder in dogs. The study identified strong risk factors that may double the risk of human SLE, and could provide new avenues for studying the disease.
A study by Tufts University found significant variation in calorie density among 'low-calorie' pet foods, ranging from 217 to 440 kcal/cup. This can lead to confusion among pet owners and may result in pets not losing weight or even gaining weight if owners follow the recommended feeding directions.
A recent study identified 155 regions on the canine genome influenced by selective breeding. These regions contain 1,630 known or predicted protein-coding genes linked to physical and behavioral variations such as size, coat color, and behavior.
Researchers have identified a genetic locus on chromosome 7 associated with canine compulsive disorder (CCD), a condition characterized by repetitive behaviors. The CDH2 gene region is linked to increased risk of CCD in Doberman breeds and may be involved in human OCD and autism spectrum disorders.
A genetic locus on chromosome 7 has been linked to canine compulsive disorder, a condition characterized by repetitive behaviors. The neural cadherin-2 gene, CDH2, is involved in mediating synaptic activity and neuronal adhesion, suggesting a possible connection to human obsessive-compulsive disorder.
North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine requires all students to receive disaster training, enabling them to respond to the needs of both people and animals in the wake of disasters. This comprehensive program equips veterinarians with advanced state and federal disaster certifications.
A new study demonstrates that muscle cells grown in the lab can restore an intestine's ability to squeeze shut properly. The technique may strengthen sphincters, which are bands of muscle separating intestinal sections, and treat conditions like gastric reflux and fecal incontinence.
Researchers at Loyola Medicine found that adults using pet therapy during recovery had 50% less pain medication usage. The animal-assisted therapy was trained through a program called Canine Companions for Independence.
Researchers have solved the puzzle of how the Falkland Islands wolf, an extinct species, got to the islands. DNA analysis reveals that the closest relative is a South American dog species called the maned wolf and the bush dog.
UOG scientists have employed new tactics to combat the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) invasion, including the use of canine teams and a bio-control virus. The efforts aim to drive the population to zero, with the latest strategy targeting breeding sites using trained dogs and destroying debris.
In a unique situation, gastroenterologists performed endoscopies on military dogs with gastrointestinal complications. The procedures involved putting their human skills to the test to care for canine heroes in the combat zone.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that microchipped animals were reunited with their owners in almost three out of four cases. The return-to-owner rate for cats was 20 times higher and for dogs 2 1/2 times higher than for all stray cats and dogs, highlighting the effectiveness of microchip technology in pet reunification.
Researchers at the University of Iowa challenge previous studies on social cues in babies and dogs, finding that distractions from adults lead to poor performance in a classic toy-hiding game. Computer simulations support this explanation, showing that attention and memory are key factors in the task.
Dean Franklin, an engineer, and two physicians, Robert Rushmer and Robert Van Citters, pioneered noninvasive imaging and treatment of the heart. They developed devices that measured blood flow, heartbeat dimensions, and blood pressure without cutting open the body.
Researchers develop virtual environments and novel medicines to help military personnel diagnosed with PTSD, and explore the use of psychiatric service dogs. Preliminary data from clinical trials show promising results in treating co-morbid alcohol dependence.